Dear Petroleum Distributor:

Re: New underground storage tank regulations

The purpose of this letter is to notify you of a new requirement for regulated underground storage tank (UST) systems in Alaska. Starting June 2000, all active UST systems must be inspected every three years by a third party inspector. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will issue an operating tag for each tank that passes inspection. This is a permanent requirement that only effects tanks subject to regulation under 18 AAC 78. This requirement does not effect aboveground tanks or underground tanks used only to store heating oil. See AS 46.03.450 (12) for the definition of a regulated UST.

The new inspection law is important because starting August 15, 1999 it will be unlawful to receive petroleum in a regulated UST system unless the system has an approved tag. 18 AAC 78.015 (a)(5). The tag must be placed conspicuously so a fuel distributor can see it prior to delivery.

Because the first inspections will be phased in over a three-year period starting next summer, not everyone will have a permanent tag until August 2002. Therefore, DEC will be issuing "starter" tags, good until the date of the first inspection.

Unfortunately, DEC will be unable to distribute the tags to all the UST facilities until around September 1, 1999. We ask that you continue to make your regular fuel deliveries to your UST customers until we can issue a tag, decal or notice. We suspect it may take a few weeks before all the tags are properly displayed. We will mail you a sample starter tag in a few weeks so you know what to look for.

First Time Inspections

First time inspections will take three years to complete, starting June 30, 2000 and running through August 2002. By the August 2002, all USTs in Alaska will have been inspected for the first time. Future inspections will b three years from the first or "starter" date. The last digit of the DEC Facility ID Number determines the date of the first inspection. The following table describes when the first inspection is due.

Tags

In the next few years, you will see the following different types of tags.

• Starter: These tags will be issued to all underground storage tanks in the state that are subject to UST laws 18 AAC 78. These tags will be used to start the program and will be phased out by August 2002. A sample Starter tag is enclosed.

• Temporary: These tags will be issued by third party inspectors immediately after an inspection and will expire 60 days after inspection. These tags will be allowed until the State of Alaska can issue a permanent tag.

• Permanent: These tags will be good for three years from the date the State of Alaska issues the tag to the date of the next inspection.

Tanks without the proper tag will not be allowed to receive fuel. If you cannot see the tag, decal or notice for each tank, you should not deliver fuel to that tank.

Getting Help

DEC would like to assist petroleum distributors in understanding this new law so you know which tanks can or cannot receive fuel. For a list of UST facilities and their inspection due date, please use the following resources:

• Internet: http://www.dec.state.ak.us/spar/csp/tanks.htm

• Telephone: 907-465-5206 (Juneau) or 907-269-8149 (Anchorage) or 1-800-478-4974 (in Alaska only)

For more information about UST's in Alaska, please contact:

Dave Guinn, UST Manager
Industry Preparedness Program
DEC Division of Spill Prevention and Response
555 Cordova Street
Anchorage, AK  99501-2617
Telephone: (907) 269-8149
Fax Number: (907) 269-7600
Email Address: David.Guinn@alaska.gov